A large crowd took in the Pittsburgh Steelers first padded practice on Monday and the team put on a show. They will have Tuesday off before practicing the rest of the week, including the popular Friday night practice under the lights.

It was a strong three days of practice highlighted by some impressive performances from the rookie class and several of the new starters.

As the Steelers rest up with their first off day, let’s take some time to take a look back at some of the sights from the first three days of practice.

Mike Tomlin

After failing to record a winning record for the first time as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin is coming into camp on a mission. He has his team focused and ready to go.

He will need a strong performance from young players entering the starting lineup as well as several members of the rookie class. More importantly, he needs to keep his starters healthy and on the field.

Conditioning Techniques

With the goal of preventing injuries this year, the Steelers changed up their conditioning routines. After stretching, they are doing a light jog and working on their feet at four different stations scattered around the field.

Jack Bicknell Jr. and the Offensive Line

Jack Bicknell Jr. has been paying attention to detail when working with the offensive line. He has been quizzed by players such as David DeCastro, and he spends plenty of time thoroughly explaining and demonstrating technique.

He has spent a good portion of practice working on the outside-zone technique as he divides the line into two groups: the right half and left half.

Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger may have had a salty relationship with Todd Haley last year, but that can be expected when a new coordinator steps in after a popular coordinator leaves.

After making some adjustments in the offseason, Roethlisberger is happy with the offense. The quarterbacks have been working on scrambling drills and they have thrown short and long passes. Roethlisberger has utilized the play-action pass and bootleg as well. He has even thrown the ball away to prevent a sack.

Isaac Redman

Isaac Redman looks like a new running back. Photo Credit: Chris G.

Isaac Redman was another player that came to camp with a new physique. He is slimmer but still appears to be very strong.

During practice in shorts, Redman was very explosive and had the look of starter. That was scaled back a bit once the pads came on, but he is still a well-rounded back who should contribute this season.

Le'Veon Bell

As the Steelers’ second-round draft pick, Le’Veon Bell started at the bottom of the running back rotation, but by Monday he was getting a lot of reps.

He was the focal point of the backs-on-backers drill, getting plenty of reps against LaMarr Woodley and Jarvis Jones. He improved throughout the drill. Bell’s strength throughout camp has been his receiving ability out of the backfield.

David Paulson

David Paulson has shown growth from his rookie season. Photo Credit: Chris G.

David Paulson has been one of the stars of training camp. He has really developed as a receiver and is using his large frame to reach over defenders to make receptions.

A seventh-round draft pick last season, Paulson is fluid when running routes but needs to work on his blocking. Matt Spaeth will be the primary blocking tight end while Paulson focuses his attention on receiving.

Markus Wheaton and Shamarko Thomas

Markus Wheaton and Shamarko Thomas were the Steelers' third- and fourth-round draft picks and have performed well in camp. They often are matched up against each other with Wheaton lining up in the slot.

Thomas is being utilized all over the field and has handled these responsibilities well. Wheaton has had several drops but has flashed his quickness and willingness to make the tough catch over the middle.

Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu is still a threat. Photo Credit: Chris G.

Troy Polamalu looks healthy and is flying around the field. He had a big hit on Bell on Monday and is still a threat near the line of scrimmage. He has blown up several running plays and screen plays in the backfield.

Even his own quarterback has to keep an eye on Polamalu as he can be anywhere at any time.

Steve McLendon

The Steelers have a new nose tackle and he doesn’t resemble their old one at all. Steve McLendon is strong and fit and will provide a much different presence than Casey Hampton.

McLendon’s style of play should be a bonus for the Steelers as he has the ability to penetrate the line and pressure the quarterback. He has already been disruptive on rushing and passing plays, collapsing the middle of the line.

Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones is making a push for playing time. Photo Credit: Chris G.

Pittsburgh’s first-round selection, Jarvis Jones had a shaky start to camp. He looked lost in coverage and wasn’t particularly strong against the run.

The moment he put pads on, things clicked for Jones. He was a force on defense, deflecting a pass attempt by John Parker Wilson and knocking one pass away from Jamie McCoy. He also sacked Landry Jones.

Reggie Dunn

Reggie Dunn has to improve as a receiver, but had no problems fielding kicks and punts. Photo Credit: Chris G.

Reggie Dunn has been fielding kicks and punts but has been getting plenty of looks on the offensive side of the ball as well.

The speedy undrafted free agent has not had the chance to return in live action yet but has had a lot of passes go his way in team drills. He had several drops on Sunday but was much better on Monday when he made a couple of nice receptions.